Peter's Musical Journey
I hold a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas where I performed as a pianist in the 4 O’clock Lab Band and acted as lead tenor and an arranger for the renowned UNT Jazz Singers. I hold a Bachelor of Music Composition from Baylor University and a Conservatory Diploma in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in Boston.
As a former member of the Marine Band (3rd MAW), I had the honor of performing for presidents Reagan, Ford, Bush (41), and Nixon. I also served in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain during the duration of Operations Desert Storm/Shield.
As a long-time jazz educator in the state of Texas, I have placed students in All-State ensembles, chaired the All-State Rhythm Section judging panel, helped students gain admission to highly respected collegiate jazz programs, and provided my students with opportunities to work with world-class talent, including saxophonist Eric Marienthal (Gordon Goodwin Big Band, Chick Corea), legendary trombonist Bill Watrous, and Grammy-winning drummer Will Kennedy (The Yellowjackets). I also have over 16 years of experience as the Musical Director for the Knight Club at Harker Heights High School, where I wrote transcriptions, programmed stems, created video graphics for projection, and led a professional band for 588 musical acts in connection with a fundraiser that raised $250,000+ during that period.
As a composer, my original work He Rules the World premiered on stage in December 2022. The show is a concert telling of the Nativity story and features narration from is executive produced by actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, God’s Not Dead, What If?) and features internationally renowned vocalist David Gaschen (Phantom of the Opera). herulestheworld.com
My works can also be found at Walton Music Publishing, Colla Voce Music Publishing, and Celebrating Grace Inc., and on my album entitled It’s You I See, a collection of original songs and jazz standards that can be found on all major streaming platforms and download sites.
Having an extensive background in musical theatre, I have been incredibly blessed to have worked in theatres in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. In producing and performing concerts and musical reviews in Texas, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside notable Broadway talent such as Jackie Burns (Wicked), Carter Calvert (Evita), Ruby Lewis (We Will Rock You and Cirque du Soleil), Raymond McLeod (Jekyll and Hyde), and vocalists of note such as Ace Young (American Idol), Therese Curatolo (Postmodern Jukebox), and Kelley Jakle (Pitch Perfect movies).
Peter's Works
